It is my dream and goal to start an art therapy program not just for children coping with disease or disorders, but for anyone who needs help and a way to express themselves. I need help to bring the love of Art to my community. Seniors coping with aging, children coping with illness or disorders, single moms trying to find a way to de-stress after working so hard to raise their kids on their own. 

I have been involved with art and healthcare all of my life. Most recently, I have been involved with being a paraprofessional in a special needs classroom. I am a medical assistant finishing a Bachelor's Degree in Advanced Patient Care and Professional Development. Through my love of art and my compassion for my patients, I have begun to see where I can combine the love of the two to help my community. 

A few years back, my youngest child was rushed to a children's hospital in Kentucky. She had asthma and was suffering with an acute case of pneumonia brought on by her asthma being compromised with extreme cold weather. We were having a horrible winter that year. Every day the hospital would send in "the fun lady". This wonderful woman would bring activities most often centered around art for my daughter to do. She was 4 years old at the time. Seeing her in that big hospital bed was the scariest thing for a parent to see. By day two she had a collapsed lung and by day three we were scared we might lose her. Seeing "the fun lady" and what she would bring was the highlight of my daughter's day while she recovered. I am happy to say she is an awesome 8 year old now and very healthy. Although she is happy and healthy now, we still remember the art therapy she had and the smile of the fun lady. 

This is what I want to bring to people.  There is a huge need for some one to care in my community. Something as small as a bottle of paint and some paper to paint on can make the difference in a person's day. Teaching them a craft or art form could lead to a profession that would change their lives. I have so much art and compassion inside, I want to give that to people. 

My goal is to open a studio in the East Mesa, Arizona area that will serve the Mesa, San Tan Valley and Apache Junction areas. I want this studio to be a non profit organization that helps people who are coping with loss of a loved one, illness, childhood disease, autism, severe low income to express themselves and cope with what is going on in their life through various artforms. At this studio we will have everything from coloring books to painting classes, glass bead making, clay sculpture both polymer and kiln fired, sketch classes. If people cannot come to me due to being homebound or hospital bound, I will go to them. 

I believe in this cause. I believe with your help I can make it work. The lives that will be touched and the art created are just waiting for someone to make it happen. Unfortunately, art supplies cost money. All the good intentions in the world will not buy paint or pencils. I am asking for help to raise money to file the 501 (c) (3) application and to find a studio and supply it. I am contributing as much personal money as I possibly can. We need paper, clay, pencils, paint, brushes, canvas, kilns ect. I will do everything in my power not to turn anyone away who needs a little color in their life. Please help me realize my dream so that I can help others with theirs. If you are interested in donating supplies, please email me at beadsandwings@gmail.com Please help me start Healing With Art Studio.